Improved petrol promises better mileage

Cars such as Toyota Prius halve fuel use on city roads.

A new type of fuel used to set a driving efficiency world record is arriving at New Zealand pumps as motorists seek respite from high petrol prices.

The new formula, to be launched today by Shell in its Ultra 91 and Ultra Hi 95 petrol, is based on the technology used by Australian motoring gurus John and Helen Taylor in their drive around the world using less than 24 tanks of fuel.

Using the new formula and efficient driving techniques, the Taylors managed to surpass the manufacturers' fuel consumption standard for their 1.6 litre Volkswagen Golf by 55 per cent.

Shell says the new fuel will save motorists money, but how much depends on how a vehicle is driven and maintained.

Shell spokeswoman Jackie Maitland said the company's new fuel-efficient product came at no extra cost to consumers.

It was being launched today but had already been introduced to petrol supplies at the company's major storage depots in recent days.

The company had been working since 1997 to develop the improved fuel.

It is aimed at reducing engine friction and improving cleanliness, so energy usually lost upon combustion can be utilised.

Automobile Association spokesman Mike Noon said the effect of the product had yet to be seen but he imagined any potential saving would be attractive to motorists "really feeling the prices".

Mr Noon said anecdotal reports were that people were increasingly turning to public transport and thinking more about their driving and fuel economy.

A lot of savings came from the "style and the way you drive", he said.

"It is very true that the faster you go, the more it costs."


Fuel efficiency grants rated 

A poll has found six out of 10 New Zealanders back a proposal for Government cash grants to people opting to buy fuel efficient, low emission cars.

The poll of 750 people aged over 18 was conducted by UMR for the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development.

The policy proposal, which has been put to the Government, includes $2000 cash penalties for those buying cars guzzling 14 litres of petrol or more per 100km.

Business Council chief executive Peter Neilson said that while petrol prices had hit all-time highs, the policy would allow some car buyers to cut their petrol bills by up to half, and help lower emissions.

The poll showed 61 per cent support cash grants for people registering climate-friendly used imported cars - 20 per cent opposed the policy.

On cash grants ranging up to $3000 for new cars on first registration in New Zealand, and a $2000 penalty on new gas guzzlers, there was 55 per cent support, with 24 per cent opposing the idea.

- NZPA